Step 3: Cutting the Pieces Out

For this next step, put on safety goggles to ensure no pieces of wood get into your eyes. Take the wooden plank with the lines on it and using a saw cut out each piece following the lines previously drawn. Since the piece is small, use a tool to push the plank through the saw to keep fingers a safe distance away.

By the end of this step you should now have 28 smaller, identical rectangular blocks.

Step 6: Sanding Each Block's Edges

Using a sand machine or sand paper, sand the longer edges to give it a rounded feel. If using a sand machine be careful with getting fingers caught and roll up any long sleeves to make sure it doesn't get caught as well. Do this with all 28 blocks.

Step 7: Drilling Holes Into Dominoes

Using a 1/8 drill bit on a drill machine or manually, lightly penetrate the surface to make a con-caved dot on desired spots. Follow the dot positions on the diagram provided. Make one domino for each in the picture.

Comments

I like your project. I agree with the comments about the grain orientation, but maybe if you used a hardwood like maple? And, another thing. I've played 42 with some serious rascals. I bet after a few hands, they would recognize the dominoes by the back grain design! The way you cut them though, I bet that would be harder to do.

I agree. Next time James, try some hardwood...and cut the pieces not using the end grain of the wood. It does make the project rather fragile and it will warp...If you use soft wood again, get the kiln dried stuff, and again, use the planed sides, not the open celled ends. :) You will enjoy the project much better. Since i have to make some very large pieces of this project, I will see if I can post a picture later on:) Keep up the great ideas and work...it just takes a few tips to make any project top notch:) Also, instead of a pen, use a wood burning tool for the dots:) That way you can oil finish your project and have no runs, nor need for any paints. Have fun! Cheers!

I realised the real benefit of this is what you can do on the REVERSE side of the domino and really create a design, something which is unique and personalised that where a great gift for a domino enthusiast could be created.

A domino is a mathematical shape consisting of two squares together. To achieve this shape, simply trim the 2x4 to 3 inches wide. Then your 1 1/2" x 3" pieces will be true dominos, and look better when you play those 90 degree turns.

Experience making routed wood signs shows that paint can wick through the wood fibers, making your holes look fuzzy. To prevent this, treat the wood with an oil finish first. Plain linseed oil works fine. Then, use the big end of a flat toothpick or similar to place a drop of good oil base paint in the hole. It will shrink as it dries, providing a nice solid color. Go through your old odds and ends of paint, make up some test blocks, and see what colors really pop with your choice of wood.